St. Joseph to celebrate second annual Mexican Independence event on Saturday

Sep. 20—Local residents and members of the Latino community are invited to join arms for the second annual celebration of Mexican Independence this weekend in St. Joseph.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Latinos Connect and the St. Joseph School District will host 'Grito de Independencia' a tradition of the Mexican community in St. Joseph and across the U.S., marking the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

"We're going to present the true colors of the flag, sing the Mexican anthem, parts of our tradition," said Marcela Villase?or Hamilton, organizer of the event. "We're going to have dancers, Mexican singers, lots of stuff."

The free event takes place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Keatley Center at 1202 S. 28th St. and will include a variety of popular Mexican cuisines and dishes, including tacos, street corn, pozole, Mexican pastries and more.

Hamilton said authorities from the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City will make the trip up St. Joseph to lead some of the celebrations.

While the event does focus on the celebration of a Mexican holiday, Latinos from St. Joseph and all nationalities are encouraged to join the celebration.

"It's for everybody, we want to share our culture and our traditions with everybody so they can see what we used to do back in Mexico," she said. "It's like sharing a little bit of our life."

For those who have never experienced an event like it, Hamilton is excited to introduce them to the feelings and emotions that come with an event with so much pride and heritage.

The next event on tap for Hispanic Heritage Month will be a celebration of Hispanic heritage Oct. 5 at Felix Street Square in Downtown, St. Joseph.

The Missouri Theatre will also hold a performance of "The Selena Experience" at 7:30 p.m. that night. The show pays tribute to the beloved and celebrated singer by performing a variety of her songs.